Neighbourhood planning is a key part of the Localism Act 2011, through this the government has enabled local communities to have a direct say in the future of development of the local area.
Neighbourhood planning is a way to help communities play a greater role in shaping the future of the places where they live and work.
Neighbourhood planning tools:
Neighbourhood plans
Neighbourhood development orders
Community right to build orders
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan is a document which sets out the vision and planning policies for the use and development of land in the neighbourhood area. It can shape, direct and help to deliver sustainable development to be more appropriate to local context and it should focus on guiding development rather than preventing it.
Key principles of a Neighbourhood Plan:
Community initiated - led by the parish / town council or a designated neighbourhood forum in non-parished areas;
Must be realistic; and
Must be based on evidence and agreed through consultations with the community
A Neighbourhood Plan must meet certain specified 'basic conditions', these will be tested through the independent examination of the Neighbourhood Plan.
The basic conditions are:
Must have appropriate regard to national policy
Must contribute to the achievement of sustainable development
Must be in general conformity with the strategic policies in the development plan
Must be compatible with human rights requirements
Must be compatible with EU obligations
Once a neighbourhood plan has been 'made' and adopted by the local planning authority it will become part of the local development framework and used in the decision-making process of planning applications within the area.
Use the drop down menu below to find out more.
What are the key issues and aspirations of your local area?
Is a neighbourhood plan the right tool to address the aspirations and resolve the issues?
What resources are available to shape the future of your community?
How would you identify a neighbourhood area?
The community takes responsibility for deciding its future
The community gains a greater understanding of the issues it faces and the practicalities of addressing them.
Part of the Amber Valley local development framework
Sense of community and create a sense of pride
Brings the community together to tackle local issues
You will have to tackle difficult issues
Very resource intensive, requires considerable commitment / volunteers time, energy and staying power.
Frustrating if not achieving ambitious expectations
Could be divisive not everyone will be happy with the outcomes.
